NJ Most Spectacular Hawk Watch Is In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — From August through November, the Washington Valley Park Hawk Watch Area, off Vosseller Avenue at the end of Miller Lane in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater is host to hundreds of hawk watchers from all over the northeastern United States who gather to witness the thousands of hawks, falcons, and eagles flying overhead, sometimes just over the treetops.

Armed with binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras, the hawk watchers enjoy the passage of numerous raptors, counting and identifying these extraordinary birds as they make their journey south to far away places in Central and South America. Endangered and threatened birds like Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, and Bald Eagles are some of the most noteworthy of the birds soaring above the area.

Following a cold front, the winds shift from the northwest, setting the stage for a day of effortless flight. When the condition occurs in mid-September while the Broad-winged Hawk migration is at its peak, more than 10,000 raptors can be seen in a single day.

On Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 from 10 a.m. to noon birders are invited to Hawkwatch at Chimney Rock, a free offering by the Park Commission. Join a Naturalist and a Park Ranger at the Hawk Watch to witness thousands of hawks, falcons, and eagles flying overhead while learning about the different types of raptors.

Information on this and other Somerset County park Commission events may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

— By Rich Reitman

(Photo provided: Somerset County Hawk Watch off Miller Lane in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater.)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.